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FDA Approves Dapagliflozin Tablets (dapagliflozin) for Heart Failure Risk Reduction and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes

FDA Approves Dapagliflozin Tablets (dapagliflozin) for Heart Failure Risk Reduction and Glycemic Con…
Photo by Sam Moghadam / Unsplash
Key Takeaway
Consider for heart failure risk reduction in type 2 diabetes with CV disease/risk factors and for glycemic control.

The FDA has approved dapagliflozin tablets, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, for two indications in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The approval includes its use to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in patients with either established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors. It is also approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control.

This approval provides clinicians with an SGLT2 inhibitor option for managing both glycemic control and cardiovascular risk in a specific patient population with type 2 diabetes. The label specifies important limitations, including that it is not recommended for glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes or in those with type 2 diabetes and an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m², where it is likely to be ineffective. Dosing differs based on the indication, with 10 mg once daily for heart failure risk reduction and a starting dose of 5 mg once daily for glycemic control.

Clinical Details (Mechanism · Dosing · Trial Data · Warnings)
Mechanism of Action

Dapagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor.

Indication & Patient Population

Dapagliflozin tablets are indicated: 1) To reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and either established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors. 2) As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Limitations of Use: Dapagliflozin tablets are not recommended for use to improve glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. They are also not recommended for use to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m², as they are likely to be ineffective in this setting based on the mechanism of action.

Dosing & Administration

Assess renal function prior to initiation and then as clinically indicated. Assess volume status and correct volume depletion before initiating.

For glycemic control: The recommended starting dosage is 5 mg orally once daily. Dosage can be increased to 10 mg orally once daily for additional glycemic control. For patients with an eGFR greater than or equal to 45 mL/min/1.73 m², the dosage is the same as for normal renal function. It is not recommended for glycemic control if eGFR is less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m².

For heart failure risk reduction (and all other indications): The recommended dosage is 10 mg orally once daily. For patients with an eGFR greater than or equal to 25 mL/min/1.73 m², the dosage is the same as for normal renal function. Initiation is not recommended in patients with an eGFR less than 25 mL/min/1.73 m².

Withhold dapagliflozin tablets for at least 3 days, if possible, prior to major surgery or procedures associated with prolonged fasting. Resume when the patient is clinically stable and has resumed oral intake.

Key Clinical Trial Data

Trial data not available in label.

Warnings & Contraindications

Not reported in label.

Place in Therapy

Not reported in label.

Study Details

Study typeFda approval
PublishedApr 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Dapagliflozin tablets are indicated: To reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and either established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors. As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Limitations of Use Dapagliflozin tablets are not recommended for use to improve glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Dapagliflozin tablets are not recommended for use to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . Dapagliflozin tablets are likely to be ineffective in this setting based upon its mechanism of action. Pediatric use information is approved for AstraZeneca AB’s Farxiga ® (dapagliflozin) Tablets. However, due to AstraZeneca AB’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information. Dapagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor indicated: To reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and either established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors. ( 1 ) As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ( 1 ) Limitations of use: Not recommended for use to improve glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. ( 1 ) Not recommended for use to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . Dapagliflozin tablets are likely to be ineffective in this setting based upon its mechanism of action. ( 1 )
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